BMTA's Quest for the BMT to Be Designated a National Scenic Trail

The Benton MacKaye Trail Association (BMTA) Board of Directors is seeking Congressional approval for the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) to be designated a National Scenic Trail. To date, only 11 long-distance trails have received the prestigious designation. These trails epitomize the splendor, diversity and historical significance found in the wide array of the American landscape.

With its glorious ridgeline views and the innumerable crossings of mountain streams, the almost 300-mile-long BMT comes by its reputation for beauty honestly. Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the BMT has some of the most varied and abundant wildflowers of any temperate climate forest in the world – and — the variety of tree species is second to none. Whether it’s the creek-side trilliums in the spring, the reddish orange of the fall sugar maples at the higher elevations or the unmatched 360-degree views in the winter, the BMT is a visual treat any time of the year — it truly is an awesome hike!

“The BMTA’s all-volunteer work force first constructed and now maintains the BMT,” said Cissna. “In fiscal 2023, BMTA volunteers turned in almost 8,000 hours maintaining the trail.

In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Zeta, BMTA volunteers removed over 300 blowdowns in just three weeks!”

BMTA’s 897 members are active volunteers in other endeavors as well. They are hike leaders for BMTA’s hikes which are open to the public. At regional festivals and other events, volunteers staff the BMTA Information Tent to educate the public about hiking, camping and a Wilderness experience in the Southern Appalachian Mountains – and — to instill a sound conservation ethic.

Representatives Steve Cohen (Democrat from Tennessee), Chuck Fleischmann (Republican from Tennessee), Chuck Edwards (Republican from North Carolina), Scott DesJarlais (Republican from Tennessee), Lucy McBath (Democrat from Georgia) and David Scott (Democrat from Georgia) are co-sponsors of a bipartisan House Bill which, if approved by Congress and signed by the President, will designate the Benton MacKaye Trail as a National Scenic Trail.

Congressman Cohen announced the Introduction of the “Benton MacKaye Scenic Trail Act” in his May 25, 2023, press release.

More work is ahead. The bill that was recently introduced in the House and sent to the House Committee on Natural Resources is just the first step of many steps to be taken.

We need to enlist the support of more representatives for the Benton MacKaye Scenic Trail Act. We also need to garner the support of senators. Our expectation is that, eventually, this bill will be rolled into a larger bill – one that deals with public lands or natural resources.

Our continued success depends on YOU! Please email, or better yet, write to your representatives in the House and Senate to tell them why you believe the BMT should be designated a National Scenic Trail. Ask them for their support in this endeavor!

Thoughts to include in your note to your representative:

• Becoming a National Scenic Trail will bring an economic boost to communities near the trail.
• Thousands of hikers use the Benton MacKaye Trail every year.
• Scenic vistas, spectacular waterfalls and bubbling streams highlight the hikers’ journey as they enjoy the wide array of wildflowers in the spring, the emerald-green forest of summer, the colorful fall leaves or an exquisite winter wonderland.
• Hikers and their families will patronize local campgrounds, restaurants, lodging, shuttles, outdoor retailers, etc.
• The 897-member Benton MacKaye Trail Association has a 44-year history of maintaining the 288-mile-long Benton MacKaye Trail.
• The trail is complete — it has just 15 miles of road walk remaining.
• This would be good for the awe-inspiring natural landscapes that encompass the BMT and at the same time, would be a boon to the local economies.
• Be sure to include that you are a constituent!

Go to Contact to learn how to contact your Senators & Representative.